neslerrah 5 lug build

lol

 

Buddy of mine is selling this: http://www.dezertrangers.com/vb/parts-accessories/128073.htm. He has a TC LT 5-lug and was going to install it in his truck except he needs cash. You're good to go!

Btw, that skid fits our 5-luggers? Direct bolt-on?

 

bummer about the damage. Awesome pics and video though!

 

Yes direct bolt on, Matt took measurements from my truck and made a solid skid plate. It's designed so the stock bolts can be used. He has a picture in his thread.

Here are pictures of the damage it took...

 

I plan on cutting that piece off and having a custom tube bumper design I think for now, I will try and pull it out and paint it to prevent rust.

 

That's a great solution

 

If I'm ever in Arizona, I now know what I'll be picking up.

 

Awesome!

 

Did the struts give you any height to your truck? Or is it all from that readylift kit. Your truck seems to sit taller than the other ones i've seen with the kit

 

Maybe it was the tires that made it look taller. Maybe it did, when I do any modifications to my truck, I am bad when it comes to do pictures and writeups about installs and replacements. When it comes to working on my truck, I am the only one doing the task, so it would be hard to stop and take pictures.

I cannot say yes or no if the Bilstein gave me a taller stance. It never came to mind now that you ask. Maybe I can take measurements from the bottom strut mount to the top of the strut spacer, and some one running OEM struts with a Readylift kit can do the same, then we can see if there is a difference. Just an idea...

 

I strongly believe that height is determined about the arch of the leaf pack, not by shock. Longer shock allows for more flex in the suspension that's about it.

Shocks are easily compressed. i could compress both my stock rear shock & fat Bob's rear shocks by hand.

 

We are talking about the struts not the rear shocks.

I agree, the leaf pack will determine the height of the rear suspension.

 

D-OH!

 

It's all good.

 

What locker you are going with? I have Powertrax no-slip in mind, its fairly affordable especially, because I can install it in my driveway...

Detroit is basically the same thing, just has to be installed by a shop. ARB is the right way to go, if you don't mind having on board air compressor & air lines... However ARB gets super expensive...

 

I've set my goals for an ARB locker, I have an extra 3rd member and 4.10 ring and pinion. I just need to save some money for ARB locker and high output compressor. I will benefit from a selectable locker and the air compressor because I will be wheeling more. I can air down when I start the trail and air back up when I get done wheeling.

In January, I will drop the diff, ring/pinon, and ARB locker at a shop to have them assembly the third member. I will install the diff and wire the air compressor myself.

 

I go back and forth, I have read a LOT about lockers and YES selectable locker is the BEST option out there. It WILL last longer. It will put less wear on your tires as well as axle & drive train... The ONLY downside to air operated locker is that the lines can break or compressor can break, which in the whole scheme of things is nothing compared to rear end blowing up...LOL

However, be prepared to spend about $1500 for the setup you want. I would like that setup, but for me dropping even $500 for a Powertrax no-slip is a stretch... *sigh* My whole build is on a budget so might as well stick to it, right?

Honestly the locker and LC header, maybe muffler and I am done with my truck. Should be right where I want it.

 

I've looked into ARB lockers long ago, I've been quoted between $1600-$2200 total for parts and labor. I just plan to have a shop set up the gears and ARB in the diff, I can do the 3rd member swap myself.

Have you heard of LCE headers? I am thinking of running them myself. Here is a dyno chart compared to DT:

 

Yeah I found LCE Headers few days ago, when I looked at the header construction & the dyno graph, its no contest between Thorley & LCE. LCE make much more torque from 2500 to 3800, exactly where I drive & shift... I don't doubt the dyno graph, because of the header construction. LCE is true equal length header, while Thorley's header has every runner different length. Equal length WILL make more power & torque. I might do the LCE Header as my next mod, my truck needs some performance.

Besides I think I will need to re-gear as well... I hate how in some turns you are going too fast to shift 1st in, but when you give it gas in 2nd the truck bogs, unless I ride the clutch... So I might do the headers now and then see what happens... ARB & 4.10 gears in the rear end would be nice...